CA1103429A - Pre-loading joint flanges - Google Patents
Pre-loading joint flangesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1103429A CA1103429A CA309,819A CA309819A CA1103429A CA 1103429 A CA1103429 A CA 1103429A CA 309819 A CA309819 A CA 309819A CA 1103429 A CA1103429 A CA 1103429A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flanges
- clamp means
- bolt holes
- bolts
- nuts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B5/00—Clamps
- B25B5/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
- B25B5/061—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws with fluid drive
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B27/00—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
- B25B27/14—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
- B25B27/16—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same abutted flanges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B29/00—Accessories
- B25B29/02—Bolt tensioners
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49428—Gas and water specific plumbing component making
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
- Y10T29/49959—Nonresilient fastener
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53678—Compressing parts together face to face
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53796—Puller or pusher means, contained force multiplying operator
- Y10T29/5383—Puller or pusher means, contained force multiplying operator having fluid operator
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Flanged Joints, Insulating Joints, And Other Joints (AREA)
- Non-Disconnectible Joints And Screw-Threaded Joints (AREA)
Abstract
APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES PATENT
PRE-LOADING JOINT FLANGES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method for use in connecting flanges of a tubular joint is disclosed. A uniform pressure is applied to the flanges of the joint up to a desired preselected, measurable compression after which the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges together are made up hand-tight. The pre-selected compression applied to the flanges is then released.
PRE-LOADING JOINT FLANGES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method for use in connecting flanges of a tubular joint is disclosed. A uniform pressure is applied to the flanges of the joint up to a desired preselected, measurable compression after which the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges together are made up hand-tight. The pre-selected compression applied to the flanges is then released.
Description
~3~9 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. . .
The present invention concerns flanged tubular joints and, more parti-cularly, pre-loading ring joint flanged connections prior to making up the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges to each other.
Tubular join.t flange connections are currently made up and the seal between the flanges of those connections effected by hammering up the nuts on the bolts which are inserted through bolt holes located on the circumferences of theflanges. The integrity of~the completed connection is dependent upon the skill, experience and judgment of the individuals swinging the hammers. This procedure,which is standard, has a number o.f disadvantages. It is time consuming, arduousand hazardous, particularly in the lalger joint sizes, iOe. ten inches and larger. Further, there is no measurable control over the loading or compression of the ring seal positloned between the flanges. Non-uniform loading on flanges of joints through which fluids flow caused by excessive tension in some bolts may result in the development of leaks, particularly when such joints are used in rough service as, for example~, when used in an oil/gas well blowout preventer sTtack .
More particularly in ~accordance with the invention there is provided a method for use in connect m g two~ring joint f:Langes of a tubular joint together, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of:
attaching clamp means directly to said flanges, said clamp means being capable of applying subs~tantially equal forces to said flanges up to a pre-selected measured compression;
applying said forces to said flanges through said clamp means;
making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes, said clamp means being spaced from said nuts and bolts when clamped to said flanges; and ~.
.~A ' removing said clamp means from said flanges. At least two clamp means may be used and the clamp means may be hydraulically operated. The forces may be applied at symmetrical points on the flanges and at bolt holes on the flanges other thar~ those through which bolts involved in the making up step extend.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a pre-loaded apparatus capable oE carrying out the method of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a partly sectional view of one of the compression units of FIG. 1 in greater detail;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the compression unit of FIG. 2;
FIGS. ~-8A show various embodiments of adjustment components, extension members and pad adapters;
FIGS. 9 and 10 ilIustrate two and three compression units, respectively, arranged on the flanges of the joint.
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~, , ' , . , ' 1 DESCRIPTION OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
. . .
The present invention concerns flanged tubular joints and, more parti-cularly, pre-loading ring joint flanged connections prior to making up the nuts and bolts used to secure the flanges to each other.
Tubular join.t flange connections are currently made up and the seal between the flanges of those connections effected by hammering up the nuts on the bolts which are inserted through bolt holes located on the circumferences of theflanges. The integrity of~the completed connection is dependent upon the skill, experience and judgment of the individuals swinging the hammers. This procedure,which is standard, has a number o.f disadvantages. It is time consuming, arduousand hazardous, particularly in the lalger joint sizes, iOe. ten inches and larger. Further, there is no measurable control over the loading or compression of the ring seal positloned between the flanges. Non-uniform loading on flanges of joints through which fluids flow caused by excessive tension in some bolts may result in the development of leaks, particularly when such joints are used in rough service as, for example~, when used in an oil/gas well blowout preventer sTtack .
More particularly in ~accordance with the invention there is provided a method for use in connect m g two~ring joint f:Langes of a tubular joint together, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of:
attaching clamp means directly to said flanges, said clamp means being capable of applying subs~tantially equal forces to said flanges up to a pre-selected measured compression;
applying said forces to said flanges through said clamp means;
making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes, said clamp means being spaced from said nuts and bolts when clamped to said flanges; and ~.
.~A ' removing said clamp means from said flanges. At least two clamp means may be used and the clamp means may be hydraulically operated. The forces may be applied at symmetrical points on the flanges and at bolt holes on the flanges other thar~ those through which bolts involved in the making up step extend.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a pre-loaded apparatus capable oE carrying out the method of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a partly sectional view of one of the compression units of FIG. 1 in greater detail;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the compression unit of FIG. 2;
FIGS. ~-8A show various embodiments of adjustment components, extension members and pad adapters;
FIGS. 9 and 10 ilIustrate two and three compression units, respectively, arranged on the flanges of the joint.
- 2a -;~J
.
~, , ' , . , ' 1 DESCRIPTION OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
2 In FIG~. 1 and ~ there are shown two hydraulically operated
3 clamp, compression or press units 10 mounted on ring joint flanges 11 and
4 12 of tubular members 13 and 14, respectively. A bolt 15 to which nuts 16 have been threaded extends through two of the bolt holes 17 of each of the 6 flanges 11 and 12. In FIG. 2 a metal ring seal 18 is shown positioned 7 between-flanges 11 and 12. Referring also to FIG. 3, each clamp unit 10 8 includes a clamp actuating member or arm 20 formed on the lower end of a 9 cylinder 21 in which a piston 22 reciprocates. A piston rod 23 is attached 1~ at its upper end to piston 22 and is threaded at its lower end to a movable11 clamp actuator member or arm 24.
12 Arm 20 may be used alone or with an extension member such as 25.
13 Cylinder 21 is formed at its lower end with a circular groove 26 in which 14 is fitted a split retainer ring 27 for retaining arm extension member 25 inposition on cylinder 21. A threaded recess 2~ is formed in the pad portion of arm 20. A retainer pin 29 formed on a projecting portion 38 of extension 17 member 25 is positioned in recess 28. A conduit 30 connects a valve 31 to 18 a hydraulic pressure source, not shown, and a conduit 32 connects valve 31 19 to a hydraulic reservoir, not shown. A conduit 33 connects valve 31 to a 2D conduit 34 and a conduit or hose 35 through a pressure gauge connection 36.21 Conduit 34 connects into the lower end of cylinder 21 shown on the right-22 hand side of ~IG. 1 and conduit 35 connects into the lower end of cylinder 21 23 shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 1. A conduit 4O connects valve 31 to 24 conduits 41 and 42. Conduit 41 connects into the upper end of cylinder 21 shown-on the right-hand side of FIG. 1 and conduit 42 connects into the 26 upper end of cylinder 21 shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 1. VaIve 31 27 is a three-May valve. In the position of the lever of valve 31, indicated 28 at 31a, hydraulic fluid pressure from the source is applied to pistons 22 29 through conduit 30, valve 31 and conduits 33, 34 and 35. In that same position of the valve, fluid exhausts from cylinders 21 to the reservoir 31 through conduits 41, 42, 40 and 32. In the position of -the lever indicated 32 at 31b, fluid pressure is held on pistons 22 in cylinders 21. In the 33 position of the lever indicated at 31c9 hydraulic fluid pressure from the 34 source is applied to pistons 22 through conduits 32, 40, 41 and 42 and fluid exhausts from cylinders 21 to the reservoir through conduits 34, 35, 36 33 and 32.
,9 1 Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the face or pad 45 of extension 2 member 25 and the face or pad 46 of arm 24 engage the surfaces of flanges 123 and 11 9 respPctively, at aligned bolt holes 17. To facilitate locating 4 pads 45 and 46 on holes 17 a pin 47 is shown positioned on pad 45 and threaded into a recess formed in extension member 25. A similar pin 48 may 6 be positioned on pad ~6 and similarly threaded into a recess 49 formed in 7 arm 24, as shown. Each compression unit 10 may be provided with a lift 8 ring 50 to which a cable 51 may be attached to facilitate, if necessary, 9 handling of the compression unit.
In FIGS. 4 through 8A variations in adjustment features for the 11 c]amp unit are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4 a pad adapter, such as 12 indicated at 60a or 60b, may be threaded into recess 28 in arm 20 of cylin-13 der 21 to adjust the length of arm 20 (or extension member 25) vertically 14 for different flange sizes. In FIG. 5 the projecting portion 38a of an extension member 25a is formed without the downwardly extending part of 16 extension member 25. Pad adapters 60a or 60b may also be used with extension 17 member 25a as indicated. In FIG. 6 another type of extension member 25b, I8 which contains a narrower projecting po.tion 38b, is illustrated. In FIG.
19 7 cylinder 21 is provided with a key 61 which engages a key slot 62 formed on a half ring extension member 63 to which is attached a releasable elastic 2I sling 64 for strapping extension member 63 to cylinder 21. In FIG. 8 lower22 arm 24 is illustrated together with a pad adapter 70a or 70b which may be 23 threaded into recess 49 to adjust for variatioIls in sizes of the flanges.
24 In FIG. 8A still another type extension member 71 is illustrated. Extension member 71 has a narrow arm 24 projecting portion 38c and is positioned by 26 inserting pin 72 into threaded recess 49.
27 In FIG. 9 two clamp units 10 are located at points 180 apart.
28 In FIG. 10 three clamp units 10 are arranged at three points approximately 29 120 apart. Four clamp units arranged at four points 90 apart or even more clamp units spaced equally or approximately equally about the circum-31 ference of the flanges may be used. Clamp units are preferably, as mentioned 32 above, attached to the flanges at the bolt holes. For many joints that 33 type attachment permits adequate space for the pads of the clamp units to 34 be attached to the flanges and indexed with respect thereto by means of theempty bolt holes as locators. However, the pads may be positioned between 36 bolt holes where there is sufficient room for positioning them; or the 37 clamping units may be constructed so as to bridge the bolt holes.
2~
OPERATION
When it is desired to make up tubular members 13 and 14, bolt holes 17 and flanges ll and 12 are aligned, as shown in F~G. 1, and pads 45 and 46 of extension member 25 and arm 24, respect~vely, of each clamp unit 10 are placed over bolt holes 17 which are spaced 180 apart. Hydraulic fluLd from the sourceis then applied, with the valve lever in the 31a position, through conduit 30, valve 31, conduits 33, 34 and 35 to the lower end of cylinders Zl. Pistons 22 move upward to cause arms 20 and 24 to press flanges 11 and 12 together. Any fluids in the upper ends of cylinders 21 are exhausted to the reservoir through conduits 41, 42, 40 and 32. Gauge 36 measures the hydraulic fluid pressure applied to pistons 22 and when a preselected desired pressure has been reached, the lever on valve 31 is moved to position 31b in which position the preselectedpressure is held on the pistons. Then, bolts 15 are inserted through the open bolt holes 17 and nuts 16 are hand-tightened on the bolts. Valve 31 is then moved to position 31c in which position hydraulic fluid from the fluid pressure source flows through conduit 30, valve 31 and conduits 40, 41 and 42 into the upper ends of cylinders 21 to force pistoDs 22 downward and exhaust fluid through conduits 3~1, 35, 33 and 32 to the reservoir. Clamp units 10 are then removed and bolts 15 are inserted into the bolt holes on which the pads of clamp units 10 were attached and nuts 16 are hand-tightened on these bolts.
As an example of the magnitude of the forces involved in preloading flanges, a ten inch-five thousand pounds pe~ square inch working pressure flange must be preloaded in excess of 500,000 pounds per square inch compression. The compres~sion unit has to be capable of applying in excess of one million pounds per square inch compression on larger and higher pressure flanges.
The method may also be employed when it is desired to disconnect tubular members 13 and 14. First the nuts on the bolts wliich were made up after the press units had been removed (or other symmetrically spaced apart nuts and bolts) are loosened by hammering and the nuts and bolts in those bolt holes removed.
Then each clamp unit 10 would be attached to flanges ll and 12 at those bolt holes and pressure applied to pistons 22 to substantially the same pressure as the preselected pressure employed when making up the conne~tion. While main-taining that compression on the flanges, the remaining nuts are loosened by hand.
Thereafter~ the pressure on pistons 22 is released and clamp units 10 removed.
h~
1 It would not be necessary to use the bolt hole locations for the 2 pads of arms 20 and 24 might be located between the bolt holes (in which 3 case pins 47 and 48 would not be used unless additional locator holes were 4 drilled in the flanges) where there i8 sufficient room for positioning those pads. So locating the pads would facilitate makeup and removal of 6 the nuts from the bolts for the extra steps in bolting and unbolting the 7 bolt holes occupied by clamp units 10 would be unnecessary.
8 ~se of identical hydraulic press units and a common hydraulic 9 source and symmetrical positioning of the press units ensures uniform loading on the flanges. The term hand-tight as used herein means making up 11 a nut or mlts on a threaded bolt by hand or by a hand wrench.
12 Although the clam~o unit is shown in the figures and described as13 including extension members and/or pad adapters the clamp units may be used14 without such components. Also, although not illustrated, extension members may be used with lower arm 24.
16 Advantages of the method of the invention are: The ring joint ~7 :eal JS u.iformly loaded; considerable time and physical effort in making 18 and/or disconnecting joints is saved; for example, approximately one to two19 hours ol drilling rig time is saved when nippling up blowout preventer ~ stacks (and any leaks which are prevented by the method of this invention 21 would result in drilling rig savings of an additional three to four hours 22 normally required to renipple up after testing the joint); safety to per-23 sonnel, particularly on large flanged connections used in oil and/or gas 24 drilling operations such as flanged connections on blowout preventer stacks;
some connections could be pressure tested for leaks prior to ~ake up of all 26 nuts and bolts; and it is possible to employ the method in small restricted27 spaces such as in the cellars of drilling rigs where hammering of the nuts 28 would be difficult or impossible.
29 While hydraulic fluid pressure for operating the clamp units as described above is preferred, other type power for the clamp units may be 31 employed instead so long as approximately the same pressure or force can be32 applied dt each of the clamp units. Also, other type clamp units might be 33 used instead of the one illustrated and described herein. For example, 34 pivotal lever arms might be used as the clamp unit. Further, although described as a metal ring seal other types of seals may be used between 36 flanges ll and 12. In addition, the manner of applying the hydraulic 37 pressllre may be varied, e.g. a simple two-way valve may be used in place of 38 the three-w~y valve shown. Other changes and modifications may be made in 39 the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the spi~it. ~n~ scope ~f the invcntion.
.
,.,. : , :
12 Arm 20 may be used alone or with an extension member such as 25.
13 Cylinder 21 is formed at its lower end with a circular groove 26 in which 14 is fitted a split retainer ring 27 for retaining arm extension member 25 inposition on cylinder 21. A threaded recess 2~ is formed in the pad portion of arm 20. A retainer pin 29 formed on a projecting portion 38 of extension 17 member 25 is positioned in recess 28. A conduit 30 connects a valve 31 to 18 a hydraulic pressure source, not shown, and a conduit 32 connects valve 31 19 to a hydraulic reservoir, not shown. A conduit 33 connects valve 31 to a 2D conduit 34 and a conduit or hose 35 through a pressure gauge connection 36.21 Conduit 34 connects into the lower end of cylinder 21 shown on the right-22 hand side of ~IG. 1 and conduit 35 connects into the lower end of cylinder 21 23 shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 1. A conduit 4O connects valve 31 to 24 conduits 41 and 42. Conduit 41 connects into the upper end of cylinder 21 shown-on the right-hand side of FIG. 1 and conduit 42 connects into the 26 upper end of cylinder 21 shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 1. VaIve 31 27 is a three-May valve. In the position of the lever of valve 31, indicated 28 at 31a, hydraulic fluid pressure from the source is applied to pistons 22 29 through conduit 30, valve 31 and conduits 33, 34 and 35. In that same position of the valve, fluid exhausts from cylinders 21 to the reservoir 31 through conduits 41, 42, 40 and 32. In the position of -the lever indicated 32 at 31b, fluid pressure is held on pistons 22 in cylinders 21. In the 33 position of the lever indicated at 31c9 hydraulic fluid pressure from the 34 source is applied to pistons 22 through conduits 32, 40, 41 and 42 and fluid exhausts from cylinders 21 to the reservoir through conduits 34, 35, 36 33 and 32.
,9 1 Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the face or pad 45 of extension 2 member 25 and the face or pad 46 of arm 24 engage the surfaces of flanges 123 and 11 9 respPctively, at aligned bolt holes 17. To facilitate locating 4 pads 45 and 46 on holes 17 a pin 47 is shown positioned on pad 45 and threaded into a recess formed in extension member 25. A similar pin 48 may 6 be positioned on pad ~6 and similarly threaded into a recess 49 formed in 7 arm 24, as shown. Each compression unit 10 may be provided with a lift 8 ring 50 to which a cable 51 may be attached to facilitate, if necessary, 9 handling of the compression unit.
In FIGS. 4 through 8A variations in adjustment features for the 11 c]amp unit are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4 a pad adapter, such as 12 indicated at 60a or 60b, may be threaded into recess 28 in arm 20 of cylin-13 der 21 to adjust the length of arm 20 (or extension member 25) vertically 14 for different flange sizes. In FIG. 5 the projecting portion 38a of an extension member 25a is formed without the downwardly extending part of 16 extension member 25. Pad adapters 60a or 60b may also be used with extension 17 member 25a as indicated. In FIG. 6 another type of extension member 25b, I8 which contains a narrower projecting po.tion 38b, is illustrated. In FIG.
19 7 cylinder 21 is provided with a key 61 which engages a key slot 62 formed on a half ring extension member 63 to which is attached a releasable elastic 2I sling 64 for strapping extension member 63 to cylinder 21. In FIG. 8 lower22 arm 24 is illustrated together with a pad adapter 70a or 70b which may be 23 threaded into recess 49 to adjust for variatioIls in sizes of the flanges.
24 In FIG. 8A still another type extension member 71 is illustrated. Extension member 71 has a narrow arm 24 projecting portion 38c and is positioned by 26 inserting pin 72 into threaded recess 49.
27 In FIG. 9 two clamp units 10 are located at points 180 apart.
28 In FIG. 10 three clamp units 10 are arranged at three points approximately 29 120 apart. Four clamp units arranged at four points 90 apart or even more clamp units spaced equally or approximately equally about the circum-31 ference of the flanges may be used. Clamp units are preferably, as mentioned 32 above, attached to the flanges at the bolt holes. For many joints that 33 type attachment permits adequate space for the pads of the clamp units to 34 be attached to the flanges and indexed with respect thereto by means of theempty bolt holes as locators. However, the pads may be positioned between 36 bolt holes where there is sufficient room for positioning them; or the 37 clamping units may be constructed so as to bridge the bolt holes.
2~
OPERATION
When it is desired to make up tubular members 13 and 14, bolt holes 17 and flanges ll and 12 are aligned, as shown in F~G. 1, and pads 45 and 46 of extension member 25 and arm 24, respect~vely, of each clamp unit 10 are placed over bolt holes 17 which are spaced 180 apart. Hydraulic fluLd from the sourceis then applied, with the valve lever in the 31a position, through conduit 30, valve 31, conduits 33, 34 and 35 to the lower end of cylinders Zl. Pistons 22 move upward to cause arms 20 and 24 to press flanges 11 and 12 together. Any fluids in the upper ends of cylinders 21 are exhausted to the reservoir through conduits 41, 42, 40 and 32. Gauge 36 measures the hydraulic fluid pressure applied to pistons 22 and when a preselected desired pressure has been reached, the lever on valve 31 is moved to position 31b in which position the preselectedpressure is held on the pistons. Then, bolts 15 are inserted through the open bolt holes 17 and nuts 16 are hand-tightened on the bolts. Valve 31 is then moved to position 31c in which position hydraulic fluid from the fluid pressure source flows through conduit 30, valve 31 and conduits 40, 41 and 42 into the upper ends of cylinders 21 to force pistoDs 22 downward and exhaust fluid through conduits 3~1, 35, 33 and 32 to the reservoir. Clamp units 10 are then removed and bolts 15 are inserted into the bolt holes on which the pads of clamp units 10 were attached and nuts 16 are hand-tightened on these bolts.
As an example of the magnitude of the forces involved in preloading flanges, a ten inch-five thousand pounds pe~ square inch working pressure flange must be preloaded in excess of 500,000 pounds per square inch compression. The compres~sion unit has to be capable of applying in excess of one million pounds per square inch compression on larger and higher pressure flanges.
The method may also be employed when it is desired to disconnect tubular members 13 and 14. First the nuts on the bolts wliich were made up after the press units had been removed (or other symmetrically spaced apart nuts and bolts) are loosened by hammering and the nuts and bolts in those bolt holes removed.
Then each clamp unit 10 would be attached to flanges ll and 12 at those bolt holes and pressure applied to pistons 22 to substantially the same pressure as the preselected pressure employed when making up the conne~tion. While main-taining that compression on the flanges, the remaining nuts are loosened by hand.
Thereafter~ the pressure on pistons 22 is released and clamp units 10 removed.
h~
1 It would not be necessary to use the bolt hole locations for the 2 pads of arms 20 and 24 might be located between the bolt holes (in which 3 case pins 47 and 48 would not be used unless additional locator holes were 4 drilled in the flanges) where there i8 sufficient room for positioning those pads. So locating the pads would facilitate makeup and removal of 6 the nuts from the bolts for the extra steps in bolting and unbolting the 7 bolt holes occupied by clamp units 10 would be unnecessary.
8 ~se of identical hydraulic press units and a common hydraulic 9 source and symmetrical positioning of the press units ensures uniform loading on the flanges. The term hand-tight as used herein means making up 11 a nut or mlts on a threaded bolt by hand or by a hand wrench.
12 Although the clam~o unit is shown in the figures and described as13 including extension members and/or pad adapters the clamp units may be used14 without such components. Also, although not illustrated, extension members may be used with lower arm 24.
16 Advantages of the method of the invention are: The ring joint ~7 :eal JS u.iformly loaded; considerable time and physical effort in making 18 and/or disconnecting joints is saved; for example, approximately one to two19 hours ol drilling rig time is saved when nippling up blowout preventer ~ stacks (and any leaks which are prevented by the method of this invention 21 would result in drilling rig savings of an additional three to four hours 22 normally required to renipple up after testing the joint); safety to per-23 sonnel, particularly on large flanged connections used in oil and/or gas 24 drilling operations such as flanged connections on blowout preventer stacks;
some connections could be pressure tested for leaks prior to ~ake up of all 26 nuts and bolts; and it is possible to employ the method in small restricted27 spaces such as in the cellars of drilling rigs where hammering of the nuts 28 would be difficult or impossible.
29 While hydraulic fluid pressure for operating the clamp units as described above is preferred, other type power for the clamp units may be 31 employed instead so long as approximately the same pressure or force can be32 applied dt each of the clamp units. Also, other type clamp units might be 33 used instead of the one illustrated and described herein. For example, 34 pivotal lever arms might be used as the clamp unit. Further, although described as a metal ring seal other types of seals may be used between 36 flanges ll and 12. In addition, the manner of applying the hydraulic 37 pressllre may be varied, e.g. a simple two-way valve may be used in place of 38 the three-w~y valve shown. Other changes and modifications may be made in 39 the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the spi~it. ~n~ scope ~f the invcntion.
.
,.,. : , :
Claims (5)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for use in connecting two ring joint flanges of a tubular joint together, said flanges having aligned bolt holes comprising the steps of:
attaching clamp means directly to said flanges, said clamp means being capable of applying substantially equal forces to said flanges up to a preselect-ed measured compression;
applying said forces to said flanges through said clamp means;
making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes, said clamp means being spaced from said nuts and bolts when clamped to said flanges; and removing said clamp means from said flanges.
attaching clamp means directly to said flanges, said clamp means being capable of applying substantially equal forces to said flanges up to a preselect-ed measured compression;
applying said forces to said flanges through said clamp means;
making up nuts hand-tight on bolts inserted through said bolt holes, said clamp means being spaced from said nuts and bolts when clamped to said flanges; and removing said clamp means from said flanges.
2. A method as recited in claim 1 in which at least two clamp means are used.
3. A method as recited in claim 2 in which said clamp means are hydraulically operated.
4. A method as recited in claim 3 in which said forces are applied at symmetrical points on said flanges.
5. A method as recited in claim 4 in which said clamp means are positioned on bolt holes in said flanges, other than those through which the bolts being involved in said making up step extend.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US835,111 | 1977-09-21 | ||
| US05/835,111 US4150477A (en) | 1977-09-21 | 1977-09-21 | Pre-loading joint flanges |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1103429A true CA1103429A (en) | 1981-06-23 |
Family
ID=25268608
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA309,819A Expired CA1103429A (en) | 1977-09-21 | 1978-08-22 | Pre-loading joint flanges |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4150477A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU516950B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1103429A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2004964B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO783176L (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112847190A (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2021-05-28 | 北京中瑞和电气有限公司 | Flange butt joint device of high-speed pressure relief explosion-proof valve |
Families Citing this family (26)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2825093C3 (en) * | 1978-06-08 | 1981-11-19 | Varta Batterie Ag, 3000 Hannover | Device for receiving, aligning and holding plate packs for lead-acid batteries |
| US4815201A (en) * | 1980-12-02 | 1989-03-28 | Harris Tube Pulling And Manufacturing Company | Tube traveler device |
| US4358885A (en) * | 1981-02-17 | 1982-11-16 | Conoco Inc. | Method of removing and reinstalling bottom entering agitator seals |
| US4653172A (en) * | 1985-02-05 | 1987-03-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Axial clamp for nuclear reactor head penetration conoseal joints |
| ES2041652T3 (en) * | 1986-02-14 | 1993-12-01 | Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag | PROCEDURE AS WELL AS RIB JOINT AND FIXING BRACKET FOR MOUNTING SCREEN DEVICES. |
| US4725080A (en) * | 1986-03-26 | 1988-02-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy | Remotely operated pipe connector |
| US4693498A (en) * | 1986-04-28 | 1987-09-15 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Anti-rotation tubular connection for flowlines or the like |
| US5141257A (en) * | 1991-09-23 | 1992-08-25 | Cooper Industries, Inc. | High preload mechanical connector |
| WO1995018933A1 (en) * | 1994-01-08 | 1995-07-13 | Future Alignments Limited | Apparatus for aligning two members |
| US5560091A (en) * | 1994-05-26 | 1996-10-01 | Labit, Jr.; Sexon J. | Apparatus for aligning pipe flanges |
| WO1998005893A1 (en) | 1996-08-07 | 1998-02-12 | Future Alignments Limited | Alignment tool |
| DE19810039C2 (en) * | 1998-03-09 | 2002-09-12 | Carl Walter Schraubwerkzeug Fa | Assembly method for resiliently packaged plates and a device for performing this method |
| NO320661B1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2006-01-16 | Advanced Prod & Loading As | Device for interconnecting pipelines |
| NO319635B1 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2005-09-05 | Marine Direct Consultants Ltd | Device for connecting rudder. |
| NO329825B1 (en) * | 2009-03-26 | 2010-12-27 | Per-Christian Irgens | Dynamic flange clamp |
| US9316335B2 (en) | 2010-12-24 | 2016-04-19 | Alan Webster Hall | Claw clamp |
| EP2895778A4 (en) * | 2012-06-05 | 2016-06-15 | Osprey Subsea Technical Solutions Osts Pty Ltd | Flange catching, aligning and closing tool |
| US9527173B2 (en) * | 2013-05-14 | 2016-12-27 | Siemens Energy, Inc. | Alignment tool for use in aligning openings in structural members |
| ES2836185T3 (en) * | 2016-02-24 | 2021-06-24 | Admede Ab | System for supplying hydraulic pressure to a bolt tensioner |
| GB2554463B (en) * | 2016-09-29 | 2019-09-18 | Subsea 7 Do Brasil Servicos Ltda | Assembling flanged couplings |
| CN108750991B (en) * | 2018-06-01 | 2020-05-08 | 安徽晋煤中能化工股份有限公司 | Flange dismounting, lifting and positioning device |
| GB2579578A (en) * | 2018-12-04 | 2020-07-01 | Tentec Ltd | Hydraulic tensioner and method of tensioning |
| CN109653698A (en) * | 2019-01-15 | 2019-04-19 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | Wellhead flange screwing-off device |
| JP2023512542A (en) * | 2020-03-04 | 2023-03-27 | メッツォ オウトテック （フィンランド） オサケ ユキチュア | Pipe Flange Joiners, Pipe Assemblies and Top Submerged Lance (TSL) Systems |
| US11940067B2 (en) | 2020-03-26 | 2024-03-26 | Kevin Larsen | Remote process equipment bolt flange joint opening and closing system and method of use |
| CN115435170B (en) * | 2022-10-10 | 2024-01-30 | 南通大学 | Sealing interface of water turbine |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US375464A (en) * | 1887-12-27 | Method of and apparatus for laying submarine pipes | ||
| US409008A (en) * | 1889-08-13 | Laying submarine pipes | ||
| US1311128A (en) * | 1919-07-22 | Canada | ||
| US3015883A (en) * | 1957-12-02 | 1962-01-09 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Flange aligning tool |
| BE757809A (en) * | 1970-04-13 | 1971-04-01 | Fmc Corp | MOTOR COUPLER FOR PIPES |
| US3900732A (en) * | 1974-04-15 | 1975-08-19 | Litton Systems Inc | Encoder disc mount and aligning tool |
-
1977
- 1977-09-21 US US05/835,111 patent/US4150477A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1978
- 1978-08-22 CA CA309,819A patent/CA1103429A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-08-28 AU AU39291/78A patent/AU516950B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-09-11 GB GB7836310A patent/GB2004964B/en not_active Expired
- 1978-09-19 NO NO783176A patent/NO783176L/en unknown
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112847190A (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2021-05-28 | 北京中瑞和电气有限公司 | Flange butt joint device of high-speed pressure relief explosion-proof valve |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU516950B2 (en) | 1981-07-02 |
| NO783176L (en) | 1979-03-22 |
| AU3929178A (en) | 1980-03-06 |
| GB2004964A (en) | 1979-04-11 |
| US4150477A (en) | 1979-04-24 |
| GB2004964B (en) | 1982-03-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |